State budget could kill Lewis and Clark panel

A southern Indiana commission launched to promote bicentennial events for the Lewis and Clark expedition says it may be forced to disband under the proposed state budget.

Carlene Bottorff of the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention and Tourism Bureau told the News and Tribune that state lawmakers want to shut down the Lewis and Clark Commission and take its funds.

Legislation creating the 12-member panel in 2001 charged the group with using money raised from a specialty license plate to highlight the Lewis and Clark bicentennial events between 2003 and 2006.

Tourism bureau executive director Jim Keith said the commission has helped place historic markers around the state, provided funding for the Lewis and Clark Teacher Institute and contributed $50,000 toward an exhibit at the Falls of the Ohio.